Kobe Bryant will start vs. Mavericks

Originally listed as questionable, "The Black Mamba" Kobe Bryant will be in the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks.

The 37-year-old has missed the past two games with a sore back.

Bryant mentioned that he had trouble walking Tuesday, which kept him out of the team's games against the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.

"He said he felt fine, wanted to give it a try," head coach Byron Scott said, according to NBA.com's Fran Blinebury. "Obviously we'll keep a close eye on him."

Veteran Metta World Peace has started in his absence, and will be moved back to the second unit now that Bryant has returned.

The 17-time All-Star is shooting just 32 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from 3-point range for an average of 16.5 points per game for the 1-7 Lakers.